Get Involved

The Finance Committee is responsible for the fiscal health of the Parish. It is made up of qualified lay people who work primarily with the Pastor, Parish Finance Officer and our various committees and groups regarding the Parish budget, financial reporting and sacrificial giving.

The Stewardship Committee guides, develops and sustains stewardship and involvement in all parish ministries. The members advise the Pastor and Pastoral team in the ongoing development and implementation of a multiyear parish strategic plan. Members represent the parish in strategic planning for the archdiocese. They also liaise with the various committees, including Parish council to ensure the ongoing vitality of the parish.

Altar Servers 

Our members come from among the parish’s faithful men and women, boys and girls, who display a desire to participate in a more intimate way during the mass. The main role of the altar server is to assist the priest at celebrations of the liturgy. Training is provided.

Eucharistic Ministers 

Our members serve at Sunday liturgies and Holy Days (i.e. Christmas, New Years, Holy Thursday, Good Friday and Easter). Eucharistic Ministers have the privilege and opportunity to make the moment of communion as personal as possible. Training is provided.

Greeters

Volunteers meet and welcome the parishioners and visitors to our parish before mass.  They can extend information to the parishioners, or direct them to the appropriate person or place, as needed.

Lectors

Our lectors provide the spirit and breath to the Word of Scripture bringing the reading to life for those who hear it by giving it personality, tone and texture. They proclaim the Word at each Mass, every weekend. Schedules are prepared every two months, with special schedules for Christmas celebrations and the Easter Triduum.

Music

This group helps the congregation enter into worship by leading in song. Instrumental and choral music moves peoples’ hearts so they may be open to one another and to God. The 10:00 a.m. choir uses a combination of guitar, piano and other assorted instruments. Rehearsals are on Thursday evenings at 7:30 p.m. The 12 o'clock choir is more traditional, accompanied by organ and piano. Rehearsals take place Sundays, 10:30 a.m. Timing: September - June.

Pastoral Care 

Volunteers bring the Eucharist to isolated or ill parishioners who cannot attend mass, including those who are housebound, as well as those in palliative care facilities, hospitals and nursing homes.

Ushers

Our ushers assist with ensuring the church’s physical environment is safe and set for each mass, greet and assist parishioner in seating, take up the collection and distribute church bulletins at the end of Mass.

Building and Maintenance

This group is responsible for the maintenance and improvements to the St. Joan of Arc building and environment in coordination with the Parish priest and Finance committee. Timing: September – June.  Meetings: 1st Tuesday of every month.

Gardening

Volunteers are responsible for all aspects of the Church gardens including; planning, planting and maintenance. Timing: April - October.

Creation Care

This ministry is inspired by Pope Francis’ call to everyone to care for our common home, which is facing a growing social and ecological crisis.  Grounded in prayer, shared learning and dialogue, this group seeks to facilitate and collaborate around opportunities in the parish for deepening ecological spirituality, awareness, practices and solidarity.  It includes possibilities for outreach and collaboration with the broader community around care for creation.  Meetings: 2nd Tuesday of each month. For more information: https://www.bit.ly/sjaccm

Development and Peace (D&P) 

This ministry educates the Canadian public and our Parish about the causes of impoverishment of peoples and mobilize actions for change. Through various campaigns and the sale of Fair Trade products September to June, the group provides education regarding Fair Trade practices worldwide. The group is a lively and creative group that meets to discuss issues and make plans for carrying out the current education and action campaign. Meetings: 3rd Monday of each month.

Prayer Shawl Ministry

Shawls are prayerfully made and given to the sick to comfort them in their time of distress.

Scribes

Our scribes provide hand written cards on behalf of the Pastor and the Parishioners of St. Joan of Arc. Cards are sent to the newly registered parishioners, persons who are ill and to the family of individuals who passed away. Congratulatory notes are sent on first year anniversary of couples married at St. Joan of Arc and to those baptized in our Parish the year before.

Society of St. Vincent de Paul (SVDP) 

Our members are dedicated to providing direct services and financial aid to the poor. Volunteers are needed to help with home visits, furniture pickup and fund-raising. Home visits involve direct contact with the poor assisting with food, clothing, furniture, budgeting, and emotional support. Meetings: 2nd Wednesday of each month.

Winter Welcome Table 

This ministry serves as an outreach to the 'needy, marginalized and homeless' in the centre-west of our city. St. Joan of Arc parish joins with St Peter's as hosts. Parishioners and others serve hot meals Monday evenings, typically November through March. Volunteers help with menu planning, shopping, food preparation, serving and clean up.